Hermetica Superfood Encyclopedia
Legacy index-continuity record: the score and narrative are provisional and must not be represented as validated or human-approved.
Review flags: AWAITING_SEMANTIC_VALIDATION
Licorice root (Glycyrrhiza glabra) contains glycyrrhizin, a triterpene saponin that inhibits viral replication and modulates inflammatory responses. Clinical studies demonstrate its effectiveness in reducing COVID-19 symptoms and ICU stay duration through anti-inflammatory and antiviral mechanisms.
Origin & History
Licorice root derives from the perennial herb Glycyrrhiza glabra (Fabaceae family), native to southern Europe, parts of Asia, and the Middle East where it grows in subtropical and temperate regions. The root and rhizome are harvested, dried, and extracted using water, alcohol, or hydroalcoholic methods to produce extracts, powders, or teas, with extracts typically standardized to glycyrrhizic acid content.
Research Narrative (Provisional)
Clinical evidence includes a double-blind RCT (n=52) showing 760mg D-reglis® licorice tablets reduced ICU stay in COVID-19 patients (PMID: 39262414), and a systematic review of 6 trials demonstrating topical licorice's efficacy for recurrent aphthous stomatitis. An RCT in women with NAFLD found 12 weeks of licorice powder improved liver enzymes and insulin resistance (PMID: 35785498).
Preparation & Dosage
Dosage guidance is withheld because the publication gate has not recorded adequate support for this profile.
Nutritional Profile
{"macronutrients": {"carbohydrates": "53g per 100g", "protein": "0.2g per 100g", "fiber": "0.2g per 100g"}, "micronutrients": {"calcium": "91mg per 100g", "iron": "0.05mg per 100g", "magnesium": "37mg per 100g", "potassium": "37mg per 100g", "sodium": "50mg per 100g"}, "bioactive_compounds": {"glycyrrhizin": "2-25% depending on preparation", "flavonoids": "0.5-1% including liquiritin and isoliquiritin"}, "bioavailability_notes": "Glycyrrhizin is well-absorbed but can be metabolized to glycyrrhetinic acid, which may affect mineralocorticoid activity. Flavonoids have moderate bioavailability, influenced by gut microbiota."}
Reported Mechanism (Provisional)
Glycyrrhizin inhibits viral replication by blocking viral entry and interfering with RNA synthesis. It suppresses pro-inflammatory cytokines like IL-6 and TNF-α while inhibiting 11β-hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase, leading to cortisol-like anti-inflammatory effects. The compound also modulates NF-κB signaling pathway to reduce inflammatory responses.
Clinical Narrative (Provisional)
Open-label RCT evidence shows licorice root improves COVID-19 symptoms including fever and cough within 7 days, with measurable reductions in inflammatory markers. A double-blind RCT with 52 critically ill COVID-19 patients found 760mg daily significantly reduced ICU length of stay and improved oxygen saturation. While promising, the evidence base remains limited to COVID-19 studies with small sample sizes. Additional research is needed to establish broader therapeutic applications.
Also Known As
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